Published: June 13, 2024 |

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Spurred by the deaths of six miners who were struck by mobile equipment in underground production areas, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has issued a safety alert.

The agency details four of the incidents, including one in which two miners were fatally injured when a locomotive collided with the personnel carrier transporting them. In addition to the six fatalities, 61 miners have suffered lost-time injuries.

MSHA best practices for operating or working near mobile equipment:
• Slow down and sound audible devices when approaching hazardous areas and before proceeding through
  ventilation curtains or fly pads, intersections, and blind corners.
• Communicate your position and intended movements to mobile equipment operators. Wait for their
  acknowledgement before moving.
• Wear reflective clothing.
• Install and maintain clear ventilation curtains or fly pads at all intersections.
• Direct mine operators to evaluate available and emerging technologies, including proximity detection systems,
  and consider their implementation.
• Provide hand-held radios for workers on foot or dismounting a vehicle.
• Minimize pedestrian traffic on known haulage routes.

MSHA works to prevent death, illness and injury from mining and promote safe and healthful workplaces for U.S miners. The agency develops and enforces safety and health rules for all U.S. mines regardless of size or number of employees. MSHA also provides technical, educational and other types of assistance to mine operators. MSHA works cooperatively with industry, labor and other federal and state agencies to improve safety and health conditions for all miners in the U.S.

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